Nearly two dozen fans jumped from their seats as cheers filled the Chicago Futsal Academy in Edgewater on Thursday, June 11 when Mexico scored against South Africa 10 minutes into the opening match of the World Cup.
A largely pro-Mexico crowd gathered in the restaurant and upstairs bar to watch the match on televisions at the community soccer club on Clark Street. Fans wore Mexico jerseys in the team’s green, white and red colors and drank Modelo, and children played on the indoor fields.
For some, the watch party was their first World Cup experience.
“This is a kick off to soccer, and it’s exciting. I love seeing everybody come together, it’s competitive,” said Sydney Cox, a newer soccer fan from Chicago. “People are super proud of where they come from. It’s something that you can do with friends and family.”
As the World Cup begins, soccer organizations across Chicago are using watch parties and community events to bring fans together around the world’s biggest sporting event. At Chicago Futsal Academy, which hosts youth and adult soccer leagues throughout the year, owners said creating that shared experience is as important as the match itself.
Edgar Alvarez, one of the owners of Chicago Futsal Academy, said he loves hosting events like this and creating togetherness in the community.
“This would be the third time we host this,” Alvarez said in Spanish. “When there is a big event, we do it here.”
The academy’s other owner, Jose Barreto, said Mexico’s participation helps make the tournament feel complete.
“It’s essential to have Mexico in the World Cup. If certain countries are not there, it feels like something is missing from the tournament,” Barreto told the Chronicle in Spanish.
Barreto said fan support plays an important role in both Mexico’s performance and the atmosphere surrounding the tournament.
“This match is very important. I think the support from the fans gives Mexico a boost, and the atmosphere really catches fire. And I believe that, with us being Mexico fans, they have to win,” said Barreto.
Mexico’s appearance in the opener carried additional significance this year. Along with the United States and Canada, Mexico is serving as a host nation for the monthlong tournament, which brings together 48 national teams from around the world. The opening match marked the start of a competition expected to draw millions of fans to stadiums and watch parties across North America.
Mexico opened Group A play with its 2-0 victory over South Africa in Mexico City, and will face South Korea on June 18 and Czechia on June 24.
The United States opens Group D play against Paraguay on Friday, June 12 in Los Angeles, before facing Australia on June 19 in Seattle and Türkiye on June 25 back in Los Angeles.
Imre Hidvegi, who attended the watch party, said he felt that watching the start of the World Cup with a crowd was crucial.
“Anytime you’re at a crowd with other people, everybody’s into the vibe, you know?” Hidvegi said. “It’s always wonderful to meet new people and share the experience and the energy with people.”
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